Event Structure

ABSTRACT

An event structure is disclosed. The event structure includes a structural perimeter supported by an underlying ground surface and a plurality of structural zones that are connected to one or more of the underlying ground surface and the structural perimeter. A first structural zone of the plurality of structural zones is a main floor of the event structure. Two or more second structural zones of the plurality of structural zones are two or more spectator areas of the event structure that are arranged at an elevated vertical distance with respect to the main floor. At least one spectator area of the two or more spectator areas includes one or more levels. At least one level of the one or more levels arranged over an immediately lower and adjacent level of the one or more levels extends further inwardly toward a center of the main floor than the immediately lower and adjacent level of the one or more levels at a distance.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/803,656 filed on Mar. 20, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to an event structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Event structures are known in the art. Improvements to event structures are continuously being sought in order to advance the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an event structure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the event structure according to line 1A-1A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the event structure according to line 1B-1B of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of the event structure according to line 1C of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an event structure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the event structure according to line 2A-2A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the event structure of according to line 2B-2B of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of the event structure according to line 2C of FIG. 2A.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides an event structure. The event structure includes a structural perimeter supported by an underlying ground surface and a plurality of structural zones that are connected to one or more of the underlying ground surface and the structural perimeter. A first structural zone of the plurality of structural zones is a main floor of the event structure. Two or more second structural zones of the plurality of structural zones are two or more spectator areas of the event structure that are arranged at an elevated vertical distance with respect to the main floor. At least one spectator area of the two or more spectator areas includes one or more levels. In an embodiment, at least one level of the one or more levels arranged over an immediately lower and adjacent level of the one or more levels extends inwardly at the same distance as the immediately lower and adjacent level. In an embodiment, at least one level of the one or more levels arranged over an immediately lower and adjacent level of the one or more levels extends further inwardly toward a center of the main floor than the immediately lower and adjacent level of the one or more levels at a distance.

In some examples, the structural perimeter and the plurality of structural zones form an arena or stadium.

In some implementations, the main floor includes a playing surface area.

In some instances, at least one spectator area of the two or more spectator areas completely surround the main floor.

In some examples, at least one spectator area of the two or more spectator areas do not completely surround the main floor.

In some implementations, the at least two spectator areas of the two or more spectator areas are arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation with respect to the main floor and collectively surround the main floor.

In some instances, a first spectator area of the at least two spectator areas that are arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation with respect to the main floor surrounds approximately about 95% of the main floor. A second spectator area of the at least two spectator areas that are arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation with respect to the main floor surrounds approximately about 5% of the main floor.

In some examples, a first spectator area of the at least two spectator areas that are arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation with respect to the main floor includes a substantially C-shape that surrounds approximately about 70% of the main floor. A second spectator area of the at least two spectator areas that are arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation with respect to the main floor includes a substantially U-shape that surrounds approximately about 30% of the main floor.

In some implementations, a spectator area of the two or more spectator areas includes a plurality of stepped rows. Each row of the plurality of stepped rows includes a plurality of seats. The plurality of stepped rows define stadium seating in a bowl-shape configuration.

In some instances, the one or more levels of the at least one spectator area includes one or more rows. Each row of the one or more rows may include a plurality of seats.

In some examples, the one or more rows include two or more rows that are arranged as stepped rows that define stadium seating.

In some implementations, the at least one spectator area includes one or more walls that segment one or more portions of the one or more levels of the at least one spectator area into discrete areas.

In some instances, the one or more walls are modular thereby permitting the one or more levels of the at least one spectator area to be selectively portioned into two or more suites.

In some examples, at least one level of the one or more levels extends outwardly away from the center of the main floor at a distance than an immediately lower adjacent level and an immediately higher adjacent level of the one or more levels that respectively extend further inwardly toward a center of the main floor at respective distances.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an event structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Based on the foregoing, it is to be generally understood that the nomenclature used herein is simply for convenience and the terms used to describe the invention should be given the broadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art.

An event structure is shown generally at 10 at FIGS. 1 and 1A-1C according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1A, the event structure 10 may be supported by an underlying ground surface, G. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 1A-1B, the event structure 10 may include a structural perimeter 50 that supports a roof 75.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the event structure 10 may include a plurality of structural zones 12-18 that are supported by or connected to one or more of the underlying ground surface, G, and the structural perimeter 50. In an embodiment, the structural zone 12 may be supported by the underlying ground surface, G. In an embodiment, each of the structural zones 14, 16 and 18 may be supported by the underlying ground surface, G, and are connected to the structure perimeter 50.

The event structure 10 may include, but is not limited to: an arena, stadium or the like in which an event occurs. In an embodiment, the event could be, for example: a football game, a soccer match, a baseball game, a basketball game, a hockey match, a tennis match, a rodeo, a monster truck rally, a concert, a convention, a speech or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the structural zone 12 of the event structure 10 may be referred to as a main floor. The main floor 12 may be an area of the event structure 10 where the event takes place (e.g., if the event is a sporting match, the main floor 12 may include a playing surface area where the participants of the sporting match are located).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A-1B, the structural zone 14 of the event structure 10 may be referred to as a first spectator area. Referring to FIG. 1A, the first spectator area 14 may include a plurality of stepped rows 14 ₁-14 _(n) with each row of the plurality of stepped rows 14 ₁-14 _(n) including a plurality of seats, S, that, collectively, may be referred to, for example, as “stadium seating” or “arena seating.” A spectator attending the event may occupy a seat, S, in the first spectator area 14 while observing the event.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the structural zone 16 of the event structure 10 may be referred to as a second spectator area. Referring to FIG. 1C, the second spectator area 16 may include one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n). The one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n) may include at least one row 17 ₁-17 _(n) having a plurality of seats, S; if two or more rows 17 ₁-17 _(n) are included with a level of the one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n), the two or more rows 17 ₁-17 _(n) may be arranged in a manner resembling stepped rows 17 ₁-17 _(n) to define “stadium seating” or “arena seating.” A spectator attending the event may occupy a seat, S, in the second spectator area 16 while observing the event.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1B, the structural zone 18 of the event structure 10 may be referred to as a third spectator area. The third spectator area 18 may include one or more levels 18 ₁-18 _(n). The one or more levels 18 ₁-18 _(n) may include at least one row 19 ₁-19 _(n) having a plurality of seats, S; if two or more rows 19 ₁-19 _(n) are included with a level of the one or more levels 18 ₁-18 _(n), the two or more rows 19 ₁-19 _(n) may be arranged in a manner resembling stepped rows 19 ₁-19 _(n) to define “stadium seating” or “arena seating.” A spectator attending the event may occupy a seat, S, in the third spectator area 18 while observing the event.

Referring to FIG. 1A, in an embodiment, the stepped rows 14 ₁-14 _(n) of the first spectator area 14 are arranged at an elevated vertical distance with respect to the main floor 12. In an embodiment, the one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n) of the second spectator area 16 is/are arranged at an elevated vertical distance above each of the main floor 12 and the first spectator area 14.

Referring to FIG. 1B, in an embodiment, the one or more levels 18 ₁-18 _(n) of the third spectator area 18 is/are arranged at an elevated vertical distance above each of the main floor 12 and the first spectator area 14. In an embodiment, the third spectator area 18 may be arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation as the second spectator area 16 with respect to each of the main floor 12 and the first spectator area 14.

In an embodiment, one or more of the first, second and third spectator areas 14, 16, 18 completely surround the main floor 12. In an embodiment, one or more of the first, second and third spectator areas 14, 16, 18 do not surround the main floor 12. In an example as seen in FIG. 1, the first spectator area 14 completely surrounds the main floor 12. Further, in an example seen at FIG. 1, the second and third spectator areas 16, 18 may be arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation and thereby collectively surround the main floor 12; in this example, the second spectator area 16 may surround approximately about 95% of the main floor 12 and the third spectator area 18 may surround approximately about 5% of the main floor 12.

Referring to FIG. 1C, in an embodiment, at least one level of the one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n) of the second spectator area 16 may extend further inwardly toward a center point, C (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 1A), of the main floor 12 than another level of the one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n) of the second spectator area 16 at a distance d₁-d₃. In an embodiment, each level of the one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n) of the second spectator area 16 at a higher elevation extends slightly further inwardly toward the center, C, of the main floor 12 at the distance d₁-d₃ than an adjacent, but lower elevation level; in an example, the second level 16 ₂ extends further inwardly toward the center, C, than the immediately lower and adjacent first level 16 ₁ at the distance, d₁, and, the third level 16 ₃ extends further inwardly toward the center, C, than the immediately lower and adjacent second level 16 ₂ at the distance, d₂, and, the fourth/“n^(th)” level 16 _(n) extends further inwardly toward the center, C, than the immediately lower and adjacent third level 16 ₃ at the distance, d₃.

In an embodiment, one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n), 18 ₁-18 _(n) of the second and third spectator areas 16, 18 may include one or more walls 20 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1B and 1C) that segment one or more portions of the one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n), 18 ₁-18 _(n) of the second and third spectator areas 16, 18 into discrete areas. In some implementations, the one or more walls 20 may be modular, which permits the one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n), 18 ₁-18 _(n) of the second and third spectator areas 16, 18 to be selectively partitioned into discrete areas having any desirable arrangement or size. In an embodiment, the one or more walls 20 may segment the one or more levels 16 ₁-16 _(n), 18 ₁-18 _(n) of the second and third spectator areas 16, 18 into two or more private/public suites or the like. In an embodiment, a sequence of levels (e.g., levels 16 ₂-16 _(n), 18 ₂-18 _(n)) directly above a lowest level (e.g., level 16 ₁, 18 ₁) may be segmented into suites. Alternatively, all of the levels 16 ₁-16 _(n), 18 ₁-18 _(n) of the second and third spectator areas 16, 18 may be suites. In an embodiment, a sequence of levels (e.g., levels 16 ₂-16 _(n), 18 ₂-18 _(n)) directly above the at least one elevated level (e.g., level 16 ₁, 18 ₁) that comprise suites may not be segmented. In an implementation, a spectator that is granted access to an elevated level having suites may be free to access any of the levels.

In an embodiment, the third spectator area 18 may be designated as a private suite area that permits exclusive access rights to a limited number of spectators. Accordingly, in an implementation where the second spectator area 16 is arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation as the third spectator area 18, a spectator that is granted access to a level 16 ₁-16 _(n) of the second spectator area 16 may not be granted access to a level 18 ₁-18 _(n) of the third spectator area 18; accordingly, in such an embodiment, the spectator having access to any of the levels 16 ₁-16 _(n) of the second spectator area 16 may also be permitted to access any rows 14 ₁-14 _(n) of the first spectator area 14 but not any level 18 ₁-18 _(n) of the third spectator area 18.

An event structure is shown generally at 100 at FIGS. 2 and 2A-2C according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 2A, the event structure 100 may be supported by an underlying ground surface, G. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 2A-2B, the event structure 100 may include a structural perimeter 150 that supports a roof 175.

As seen in FIG. 2A, the event structure 100 may include a plurality of structural zones 112-118 that are supported by/connected to one or more of the underlying ground surface, G, and the structural perimeter 150. In an embodiment, the structural zone 112 may be supported by the underlying ground surface, G. In an embodiment, each of the structural zones 114, 116 and 118 may be supported by the underlying ground surface, G, and are connected to the structure perimeter 150.

The event structure 100 may include, but is not limited to: an arena, stadium or the like in which an event occurs. In an embodiment, the event could be, for example: a football game, a soccer match, a baseball game, a basketball game, a hockey match, a tennis match, a rodeo, a monster truck rally, a concert, a convention, a speech or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the structural zone 112 of the event structure 100 may be referred to as a main floor. The main floor 112 may be an area of the event structure 100 where the event takes place (e.g., if the event is a sporting match, the main floor 112 may include a playing surface area where the participants of the sporting match are located).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A-2B, the structural zone 114 of the event structure 100 may be referred to as a first spectator area. Referring to FIG. 2A, the first spectator area 114 may include a plurality of stepped rows 114 ₁-114 _(n) with each row of the plurality of stepped rows 114 ₁-114 _(n) including a plurality of seats, S, that, collectively, may be referred to, for example, as “stadium seating” or “arena seating.” A spectator attending the event may occupy a seat, S, in the first spectator area 114 while observing the event.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2C, the structural zone 116 of the event structure 100 may be referred to as a second spectator area. The second spectator area 116 may include one or more levels 116 ₁-116 _(n). The one or more levels 116 ₁-116 _(n) may include at least one row 117 ₁-117 _(n) having a plurality of seats, S; if two or more rows 117 ₁-117 _(n) are included with a level of the one or more levels 116 ₁-116 _(n), the two or more rows 117 ₁-117 _(n) may be arranged in a manner resembling stepped rows 117 ₁-117 _(n) to define “stadium seating” or “arena seating.” A spectator attending the event may occupy a seat, S, in the second spectator area 116 while observing the event.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2B, the structural zone 118 of the event structure 100 may be referred to as a third spectator area. The third spectator area 118 may include one or more levels 118 ₁-118 _(n). The one or more levels 118 ₁-118 _(n) may include at least one row 119 ₁-119 _(n) having a plurality of seats, S; if two or more rows 119 ₁-119 _(n) are included with a level of the one or more levels 118 ₁-118 _(n), the two or more rows 119 ₁-119 _(n) may be arranged in a manner resembling stepped rows 119 ₁-119 _(n) to define “stadium seating” or “arena seating.” A spectator attending the event may occupy a seat, S, in the third spectator area 118 while observing the event.

Referring to FIG. 2A, in an embodiment, the stepped rows 114 ₁-114 _(n) of the first spectator area 114 is arranged at an elevated vertical distance with respect to the main floor 112. In an embodiment, the one or more levels 116 ₁-116 _(n) of the second spectator area 116 is/are arranged at an elevated vertical distance above each of the main floor 112 and the first spectator area 114.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in an embodiment, the one or more levels 118 ₁-118 _(n) of the third spectator area 118 is/are arranged at an elevated vertical distance above each of the main floor 112 and the first spectator area 114. With reference to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the third spectator area 118 may be arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation as the second spectator area 116 with respect to each of the main floor 112 and the first spectator area 114.

In an embodiment, one or more of the first, second and third spectator areas 114, 116, 118 completely surround the main floor 112. In an embodiment, one or more of the first, second and third spectator areas 114, 116, 118 do not surround the main floor 112. In an example as seen in FIG. 2, the first spectator area 114 completely surrounds the main floor 112. Further, in an example seen at FIG. 2, the second and third spectator areas 116, 118 may be arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation and thereby collectively surround the main floor 112; in this example, the second spectator area 116 may include a substantially “U shape” and surround approximately about 70% of the main floor 112, and, the third spectator area 118 may include a substantially “C shape” and surround approximately about 30% of the main floor 112.

Referring to FIG. 2C, in an embodiment, at least one level of the one or more levels 116 ₁-116 _(n) of the second spectator area 116 extends further inwardly toward a center point, C (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 2A), of the main floor 112 at a distance, d₁-d₃, than another level of the one or more levels 116 ₁-116 _(n) of the second spectator area 116. In an embodiment, each level of the one or more levels 116 ₁-116 ₃ of the second spectator area 116 at a higher elevation extends slightly further inwardly toward the center, C, of the main floor 112 at the distance, d₁-d₃, than an adjacent, but lower elevation level; in an example, the second level 116 ₂ extends further inwardly toward the center, C, than the immediately lower and adjacent first level 116 ₁ at the distance, d₁, and, the third level 116 ₃ extends further inwardly toward the center, C, than the immediately lower and adjacent second level 116 ₂ at the distance, d₂. In an example, however, the trend of a level having a higher elevation extending further inwardly toward the center, C, of the main floor 112 is interrupted at, for example, the fourth level 116 ₄ where the fourth level 116 ₄ is not arranged inwardly closer toward the center, C, of the main floor 112, but, alternatively, further outwardly and away from the center, C, of the main floor when compared to the immediately lower and adjacent third level 116 ₃ at the distance, d₃. In an example, the fifth/“n^(th)” level 116 _(n) may extend further inwardly toward the center, C, at the distance, d₄, than the immediately lower and adjacent fourth level 116 ₄ and slightly further inwardly toward the center, C, of the main floor 112 as the third level 116 ₃ (which is two levels below the fifth/“n^(th)” level 116 _(n)) at the distance, d₅.

In an embodiment, one or more levels 116 ₁-116 _(n), 118 ₁-118 _(n) of the second and third spectator areas 116, 118 may include one or more walls 120 that segment one or more portions of the one or more levels 116 ₁-116 _(n), 118 ₁-118 _(n) of the second and third spectator areas 116, 118 into discrete areas. In some implementations, the one or more walls 120 may be modular, which permits the one or more levels 116 ₁-116 _(n), 118 ₁-118 _(n) of the second and third spectator areas 116, 118 to be selectively partitioned into discrete areas having any desirable arrangement or size. In an embodiment, the one or more walls 120 may segment the one or more levels 116 ₁-116 _(n), 118 ₁-118 _(n) of the second and third spectator areas 116, 118 into two or more private/public suites or the like. In an embodiment, a sequence of levels (e.g., levels 116 ₂-116 _(n), 118 ₂-118 _(n)) directly above a lowest level (e.g., level 116 ₁, 118 ₁) may be segmented into suites. Alternatively, all of the levels 116 ₁-116 _(n), 118 ₁-118 _(n) of the second and third spectator areas 116, 118 may be suites. In an embodiment, a sequence of levels (e.g., levels 116 ₂-116 _(n), 118 ₂-118 _(n)) directly above the at least one elevated level (e.g., level 116 ₁, 118 ₁) that comprise suites may not be segmented. In an implementation, a spectator that is granted access to an elevated level having suites may be free to access any of the levels.

In an embodiment, the third spectator area 118 may be designated as a private suite area that permits exclusive access rights to a limited number of spectators. Accordingly, in an implementation where the second spectator area 116 is arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation as the third spectator area 118, a spectator that is granted access to a level 116 ₁-116 _(n) of the second spectator area 116 may not be granted access to a level 118 ₁-118 _(n) of the third spectator area 118; accordingly, in such an embodiment, the spectator having access to any of the levels 116 ₁-116 _(n) of the second spectator area 116 may also be permitted to access any rows 114 ₁-114 _(n) of the first spectator area 116 but not any level 118 ₁-118 _(n) of the third spectator area 118.

The present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention in specific forms other than those of the exemplary embodiments described above. This may be done without departing from the spirit of the invention. The exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by the preceding description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An event structure, comprising: a structural perimeter supported by an underlying ground surface; and a plurality of structural zones that are connected to one or more of the underlying ground surface and the structural perimeter, wherein a first structural zone of the plurality of structural zones is a main floor of the event structure, wherein two or more second structural zones of the plurality of structural zones are two or more spectator areas of the event structure that are arranged at an elevated vertical distance with respect to the main floor, and wherein at least one spectator area of the two or more spectator areas includes one or more levels, wherein at least one level of the one or more levels arranged over an immediately lower and adjacent level of the one or more levels extends further inwardly toward a center of the main floor than the immediately lower and adjacent level of the one or more levels at a distance.
 2. The event structure of claim 1, wherein the structural perimeter and the plurality of structural zones form an arena or stadium.
 3. The event structure of claim 1, wherein the main floor includes a playing surface area.
 4. The event structure of claim 1, wherein at least one spectator area of the two or more spectator areas completely surround the main floor.
 5. The event structure of claim 1, wherein at least one spectator area of the two or more spectator areas do not completely surround the main floor.
 6. The event structure of claim 1, wherein at least two spectator areas of the two or more spectator areas are arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation with respect to the main floor and collectively surround the main floor.
 7. The event structure according to claim 6, wherein a first spectator area of the at least two spectator areas that are arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation with respect to the main floor surrounds approximately about 95% of the main floor, wherein a second spectator area of the at least two spectator areas that are arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation with respect to the main floor surrounds approximately about 5% of the main floor.
 8. The event structure according to claim 6, wherein a first spectator area of the at least two spectator areas that are arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation with respect to the main floor includes a substantially C-shape that surrounds approximately about 70% of the main floor, wherein a second spectator area of the at least two spectator areas that are arranged at approximately about the same vertical elevation with respect to the main floor includes a substantially U-shape that surrounds approximately about 30% of the main floor.
 9. The event structure of claim 1, wherein a spectator area of the two or more spectator areas includes a plurality of stepped rows, wherein each row of the plurality of stepped rows includes a plurality of seats, wherein the plurality of stepped rows define stadium seating in a bowl-shape configuration.
 10. The event structure of claim 1, wherein the one or more levels of the at least one spectator area includes one or more rows, wherein each row of the one or more rows include a plurality of seats.
 11. The event structure of claim 10, wherein the one or more rows include two or more rows that are arranged as stepped rows that define stadium seating.
 12. The event structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one spectator area includes one or more walls that segment one or more portions of the one or more levels of the at least one spectator area into discrete areas.
 13. The event structure of claim 12, wherein the one or more walls are modular thereby permitting the one or more levels of the at least one spectator area to be selectively portioned into two or more suites.
 14. The event structure of claim 1, wherein at least one level of the one or more levels extends outwardly away from the center of the main floor at a distance than an immediately lower adjacent level and an immediately higher adjacent level of the one or more levels that respectively extend further inwardly toward a center of the main floor at respective distances.
 15. An event structure, comprising: a structural perimeter supported by an underlying ground surface; and a plurality of structural zones that are connected to one or more of the underlying ground surface and the structural perimeter; and wherein a first structural zone of the plurality of structural zones is a main floor of the event structure, wherein two or more second structural zones of the plurality of structural zones are two or more spectator areas of the event structure situated at an elevated vertical distance with respect to the main floor and equidistantly extend inwardly toward a center of the main floor. 